Scotland Under-17s: Three to Watch

The Scotland squad for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Bulgaria was announced earlier today with Scot Gemmill’s side focused on emulating last year’s historic semi-final finish.

A similar run at next month’s finals will see Scotland qualify for their first FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile, which takes place in October and November this year.

Each member of the squad has contributed to the team’s success over the past year with many beginning to break into the first-team ranks at club level.

We’ve picked out three from the squad who you might be hearing a lot of in the coming weeks…

Alistair Coote
DOB: 11/06/98
Midfielder, Dundee United

A graduate of Dundee United’s famed Youth Academy – Coote has been tipped for big things after making his first-team debut against Aberdeen last week. Sporting Lisbon midfielder and fellow DUFC graduate Ryan Gauld tweeted after that game saying “Delighted to see Ali Coote make his debut! Gonna be a big big player.” He’s already made an impact for Scotland, scoring two goals as part of the 2013 Sky Sports Shield winning team.

Robby McCrorie
DOB: 18/03/98
Goalkeeper, Rangers

Another member of the 2013 Sky Sports Shield team who has gone on to form a key part of Scot Gemmill’s under-17 side. McCrorie also starred in Scotland’s run to the semi-finals at last year’s European Championships and has made 14 appearances at the tournament overall –just six off the record currently held by Germany and Real Madrid star Toni Kroos. His twin brother Ross McCrorie is also in the squad.

Calvin Miller
DOB: 09/01/98
Forward, Celtic

Calvin scored the winning-goal in February’s friendly win over Romania and also got the winner against England in the 2013 Sky Sports Victory Shield final. Highly-rated by Celtic, Miller has featured four times for the club in the UEFA Youth League against the likes of Barcelona and Ajax. He played three times at last year's UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Malta – so the trip to Bulgaria is unlikely to faze the young striker.